ZDNN readers respond to iBook
Although many ZDNet readers praised the iBook, which was debuted at Macworld in New York Wednesday, calling it a "dream machine," the consumer laptop also racked up a catalog of complaints. A number of ZDNet readers particularly objected to the iBook's 32MB of RAM, 12.1 inch screen, $1,599 price tag, and tangerine and bondi-blue color.
In his TalkBack, Gadjo Sevill, a Web developer from Manila, Philippines, declared that the iBook was a "dream machine" that "is for everyone at a great price."
Mac support person Thurman Jamison, from New York, wasn't quite so supportive, though. "I thought it would be around $1,000," he wrote.
Jamison's sentiment was echoed by those who had the impression the machine would be more of a bargain. "I seem to recall predictions that the iBook will cost around $1000," said reader Joe Lin.
The iBook's 32MB of RAM was another prime concern for readers, many of whom thought 64 RAM should be the standard to handle memory-intensive software applications.
"With memory being so cheap these days, why not start with 64MB of RAM," asked David Hopkins of Princeton, N.J.
Chuck Adams of New York felt that 64MB were vital for programs and games.
Laptop or oscilloscope?
Yet another concern was the screen size of the portable. People felt that this was too small for the relatively large size of the iBook.
Swiss architect Sidney Ho said the iBook was "big for the 12.1 (inch) screen ... unless larger screens are planned within the form factor."
"The iBook isn't what I'll be buying anytime soon, unless ... the standard screen size gets bigger than that of an O-Scope," said Seattle engineer Jerry Smith.
Finally, people seemed to be at odds over the machine's loud colors. Thurman Jamison said, "The new iBook is nice, but it kind of looks like a kid's toy."
Educator Michael Crisci said that Apple should offer at least one "quieter" color.
Still others liked the color scheme and even asked for more options. David Hopkins said, "The iBook has a really cool look, but why not release it with the most popular iMac color -- grape?"